Conducting the Reference Interview: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians (How to Do It Manuals for Librarians) - Softcover

Ross, Catherine Sheldrick; Nilsen, Kirsti; Dewdney, Patricia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1555704328 ISBN 13: 9781555704322

Publisher: Neal Schuman Pub, 2002

Synopsis

The reference interview is key to the practice of librarianship. Now, Ross, Nilsen, and Dewdney outline the most effective methods librarians can use to find out exactly what a user needs to know. Packed with solid advice, exercises, strategies, models of human communications, and exercises for avoiding common pitfalls, the authors also offer dozens of examples of both successful and problematic reference interviews with constructive critiques and suggestions.

About this title

Reviews

Based on findings from workshops, projects, studies, and praxis, this manual provides librarians valuable insights into reference interviews and their use in determining and meeting users' information needs. It discusses reference interviewing in terms of theoretical foundations; initial contact; common problems and essential skills; adaptation for specific purposes, user groups, and environments; policy; and training. Each chapter includes explanatory material, illustrative examples, exercises, and an annotated bibliography. The work is laudable for its practicality, clarity, cogency, and supportive data. The exercises, in particular, are worthy of praise, as they are well conceived and have considerable applications in library schools. In short, an essential read for all current and future reference librarians. RBB
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Edition details

• Publisher: Neal Schuman Pub
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1555704328
• ISBN 13: 9781555704322
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 242